Welcome to the Computer Hardware section of our blog, the go-to resource for enthusiasts, professionals, and everyone in between who wants to get the most out of their computing experience. Whether you’re looking to upgrade a specific component or planning to build a PC from scratch, this category delves into the essential hardware elements that define the performance and functionality of your computer.
CPUs (Central Processing Units)
Relevant Brands: Intel, AMD
The CPU is the brain of your computer, where most calculations take place. From Intel’s Core series to AMD’s Ryzen line-up, we examine the specifications, performance benchmarks, and power efficiency to help you choose the right processor for your needs.
GPUs (Graphics Processing Units)
Relevant Brands: NVIDIA, AMD
Whether you’re gaming, rendering video, or running complex simulations, a powerful GPU is essential. NVIDIA’s GeForce series and AMD’s Radeon cards are the primary contenders, each with their unique features and capabilities.
Power Supplies
Relevant Brands: Corsair, EVGA, Seasonic
A robust and efficient power supply is the backbone of any stable system. We discuss the importance of wattage, efficiency ratings, and brand reliability, focusing on leading manufacturers like Corsair, EVGA, and Seasonic.
RAM (Random Access Memory)
Relevant Brands: Kingston, Corsair, G.Skill
RAM is where your computer stores data for quick read and write access. We look into speed, capacity, and compatibility, highlighting top brands such as Kingston, Corsair, and G.Skill that offer a range of options to suit various needs.
PC Cases
Relevant Brands: NZXT, Cooler Master, Fractal Design
The PC case is not just an aesthetic choice; it impacts cooling, upgradeability, and system layout. Brands like NZXT and Cooler Master offer various designs and form factors, from minimalist to RGB-heavy, that cater to different tastes and requirements.
Motherboards
Relevant Brands: ASUS, MSI, Gigabyte
The motherboard is the central hub connecting all your components. We delve into form factors, chipsets, and expandability, focusing on reputable brands like ASUS, MSI, and Gigabyte.
Storage: NVMe, SSD, Hard Drives
Relevant Brands: Samsung, Western Digital, Seagate, Crucial
Your storage solution influences not only how much data you can keep but also how fast you can access it. We cover the speed advantages of NVMe drives, the reliability of SSDs, and the capacity benefits of traditional hard drives, examining offerings from brands like Samsung, Western Digital, and Seagate.
As we venture deeper into this digital age, understanding the hardware that powers your computing experience has never been more critical. This category aims to provide you with the essential information, objective comparisons, and expert insights needed to make well-informed decisions on your computer hardware. So go ahead, explore, and build the machine of your dreams!
Windows on ARM has been available for several years now. My first Windows on Arm review was the HP Envy X2 back in 2018, but the overall experience was not great due to poor performance, and many apps were barely usable. My experience wasn’t much better with the Samsung Book Go, but at least that…
Acer has presented its most extensive product portfolio to date ahead of Computex 2025, showcasing a broad range of AI-optimised laptops, creator displays, tablets, connectivity solutions and gaming hardware. The announcements demonstrate Acer’s evolving product strategy designed for today’s increasingly mobile, hybrid and AI-enhanced computing landscape. The company’s 2025 lineup spans multiple categories including Copilot+…
Ever since reviewing the Ugreen 9 in 1 USB-C Docking Station I have become a bit obsessed with docking stations and USB cables. In that review, I expressed my frustration at the lack of premium options that fit my needs. One of the issues I have with USB-C docks is that they all use gigabit…
The Anker Prime TB5 Docking Station arrives at a time when Thunderbolt 5 technology is just beginning to appear in the latest Macs and high-end Windows machines. This dock offers a comprehensive solution for users looking to expand their connectivity options while future-proofing their setup. With 14 ports, integrated power delivery up to 140W, and…
Following on from my Cheap KVM over IP Recommendations, I have been using the Sipeed NanoKVM in my home lab. I bought both the NanoKVM cube which has a display and ATX power control for the PC, and the more affordable NanoKVM Mini, which lacks the ability to power up your PC. My use case…
Anker has introduced its latest flagship accessory, the Prime TB5 Docking Station, marking its entry into the Thunderbolt 5 ecosystem. This new docking station is designed to meet the demands of creative professionals, gamers, and advanced users who require high-speed data transfer, robust power delivery, and versatile display options. The launch also includes a high-speed…
I have previously reviewed and loved several of the Geekom Mini PCs. I still use the Geekom Mini IT13 as a work PC and have the Geekom A5 and Mini IT11 running Proxmox as part of my home lab. More recently, I reviewed the affordable NiPoGi E1 N150 and GMKTec NucBox G2, which are both…
Acer has announced two new QD-OLED gaming monitors, the Predator X32 X2 and Predator X27U X1, expanding its portfolio of high-performance displays that combine quantum dot and OLED technologies. These new monitors promise exceptional visual quality with high colour reproduction and contrast ratios, while consuming less power than traditional LCD displays. Technical Specifications and Features…
Netgear has expanded its WiFi 7 portfolio with the introduction of the Nighthawk RS100, priced at £129.99, making it the company’s most affordable WiFi 7 router to date. Announced on 12 March 2025, this new addition aims to make next-generation wireless technology more accessible to everyday consumers while still delivering the performance benefits of WiFi…
I have been a big fan of mini PCs for several years. With some of my earlier reviews, the performance wasn’t great if you planned to use it for a normal Windows PC, but the GEEKOM Mini IT8 was the first mini PC I reviewed where I felt I could replace my desktop for my…
In the past few years, mini-PCs have become incredibly popular. They are a low-cost, ultra-small solution that provides versatile functionality. Many use them as an alternative to a full-sized desktop or laptop, but they are also incredibly popular as media PCs and home servers. I have reviewed several options from Geekom, including the Geekom A5…
Earlier this month I reviewed the excellent Arzopa Z1FC, which is a portable gaming monitor with a resolution of 1920*1080 giving it an aspect ratio of 16:9 and a 144Hz refresh rate. Arzopa has now kindly sent me the Z1RC portable monitor to review. This is a 16-inch 2560*1600 with an aspect ratio 16:10. This…
End of content
End of content